Amazon Q1 sales soar but profits tumble

The company's e-commerce prowess was undermined in the first quarter, with low margins and high costs rendering a sales surge almost moot. 

By Daphne Howland • May 1, 2020

Amazon tests live video calls to vet third-party sellers

The company launched in-person verifications earlier this year, but pivoted to video conferencing in February due to the pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 30, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

What's shaping the e-commerce landscape?

From pivots in digital strategies to challenges retailers must overcome with reverse logistics, here are some of the forces shaping online retail.

By Retail Dive staff

Best Buy resumes 'Geek Squad' and delivery services

Next month the electronics retailer will also open about 200 stores for appointments. Demand has ebbed after a busy March, research shows.

By Daphne Howland • April 29, 2020

How Editorial Boutique launched a thriving eCom store overnight

The era of COVID-19 is a time of reinvention for many retailers, all quickly trying to pivot and leverage the resources and tools they need to survive shutdowns and social distancing measures.

April 29, 2020

Shopify unveils consumer shopping app as e-commerce demand increases under coronavirus

Putting a spotlight on local merchants, the Shop app leverages Shop Pay for transactions and Arrive to track online orders. 

By Peter Adams • April 28, 2020

Chico's plans to reopen stores starting May 4

The apparel retailer will use store inventory to fulfill online orders, offer in-store pickup, including curbside, and begin selling by appointment.

By Daphne Howland • April 28, 2020

Target's digital sales skyrocket, but at the expense of profit

The retailer said it's capitalizing on e-commerce demand in categories like grocery and gaining market share that will benefit it down the road.

By Jeff Wells • April 23, 2020

NBCUniversal debuts shoppable e-commerce platform

NBCUniversal Checkout launches as more retailers are shifting their operations online.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 23, 2020

Amazon is doing well, but could it be better?

The e-commerce giant is raking in sales and hiring thousands as warehouse workers walk off for the third time. Something needs to change, experts say.

By Daphne Howland • April 23, 2020

Authentication underpins ability to serve consumer behavior shaped by COVID-19

Merchants that use digital authentication as an opportunity to improve the buyer’s journey will be rewarded with happier and more loyal customers.

By David Krasinski • April 23, 2020

Casper lays off 21% of staff, CFO to exit

The workforce cuts and executive departure come as the company said it's winding down its European unit to focus on North American operations.

By Caroline Jansen • April 22, 2020

Portland, Maine backtracks to allow curbside and delivery by nonessential retail

After an outcry last week, the city council on Monday said they won't enforce rules that appear to be among the most restrictive in the country.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2020

Pet retailers see a boost during the pandemic

The industry is taking a hit with most stores temporarily closed due to the coronavirus. But consumers are still spending on their pets.

By Caroline Jansen • April 21, 2020

DSW, Hy-Vee team up to sell shoes

Eventually, there will be shoe shops inside the Midwestern grocers' stores but the partnership launches first with a "digital experience."

By Jessica Dumont • April 17, 2020

Amazon continues to gain share in apparel

The e-commerce giant is making strides in the category, but can't shake customer perceptions of it as a discounter, per a Coresight Research report.

By Daphne Howland • April 16, 2020

Neighborhood Goods to waive in-store fees for brands impacted by the pandemic

The department store concept will collect a smaller percentage of their sales as well, in an attempt to get businesses up and running again.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 15, 2020

Grocers are wait-listing shoppers to cope with e-commerce demand

Amazon is putting new online grocery customers in a queue, while companies like ShopRite have installed virtual lines to manage site inflow.

By Jeff Wells • April 14, 2020

New Walmart e-commerce exec leaves to take the helm at eBay

Jamie Iannone took the position at the retail giant only last month, after revamping the digital business at its Sam's Club warehouse unit.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2020

Pinterest adds new ‘shop’ tabs and curated style guides

The social platform made several upgrades to encourage shopping through its search function, as well as through user pins and boards.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 9, 2020

COVID-19 forces layoffs at Le Tote, Lord & Taylor

The apparel rental company, which bought the department store last summer for $100 million, is operating online only until stores can reopen.

By Daphne Howland • April 7, 2020

Bed Bath & Beyond, 1-800-Flowers reach agreement over PersonalizationMall.com

The deal, which 1-800-Flowers allegedly tried to back away from, spurring the home goods retailer to file a lawsuit, is expected to close by Aug. 3.

By Daphne Howland , Caroline Jansen • Updated July 22, 2020

Amazon confirms indefinite Prime Day postponement

Usually held in mid-July, the event will happen later this year, with dates varying by location, the company said.

By Daphne Howland • Updated July 23, 2020

EBay pledges $100M to help small businesses move online

During a pandemic that has made e-commerce more important than ever, the online marketplace is launching tools to help small businesses transition.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 6, 2020

What the coronavirus means for DTC brands

Digital natives may not face the massive store closures brick-and-mortar retailers are grappling with, but they have their own obstacles.

By Caroline Jansen • April 2, 2020

Startup Fast raises $20M to streamline e-commerce checkout

The Series A funding round was led by Stripe with the aim to accelerate the rollout of its Fast Checkout technology. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020